Now that school is out, kiddos fall out of their routines; one routine that takes a backseat to the fun summer activities is your oral health. With the fun in the sun comes the need to keep your smile healthy. Check out our tips to keep your smile healthy during summer.
Use Your Hands
We all remember our parent’s saying, “Don’t use your mouth to open that!” Well, they weren’t wrong; make sure to use your hands to open bags, bottles, or wrappers. Many people have chipped their teeth by simply using their mouths to open things when their hands could have. Use your teeth for what they do best, chewing food and flashing smiles.
Protect Your Lips From The Sun
We all know to wear sunscreen when the summer sun is out to protect our skin. But, we need to keep our lips protected from cracking. Make sure to apply a chapstick with at least SPF 15.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water has so many health benefits from preventing headaches to helping you manage food cravings and overeating. Especially in summer, drinking more water can help flush away plaque that causes bad breath and would have led to gum disease.
Stay Safe at the Pool
Hopping in the swimming pool is a great way to beat the heat. But beware of the heavily chlorinated pools as the chemical can weaken your teeth. Make sure to brush your teeth after a dip in the pool to protect your smile.
Protect Your Smile
The summer months are known for travel sports, make sure to keep your smile protected with a mouthguard during these tournaments. Sports injuries usually involve broken or chipped front teeth and cut lips, by wearing a mouthguard you can prevent these accidents.
If you don’t have a mouthguard, talk to your dentist about getting one. If you have one thrown in your gym bag, let your dentist check it out to make sure it is still in good shape and fits properly.
Have a Dental Emergency Kit
Summer brings summer oral health risks. To be prepared, you can pack a dental emergency kit—or two—with the following items to keep in the car and/or your summer bag.
- Card With Your Dentist’s Phone Number
- Gauze
- Small Towels
- Saline Solution
- Small Container With A Lid
Your family’s summer oral health doesn’t have to suffer just because you’re all having fun. Your effort will pay off when everyone’s smile is safe and school starts up again.